Pants Size Conversion Tool

Find your perfect pants size across different brands and international sizing systems. This calculator converts between US, EU, UK, and other regional sizing standards while accounting for variations between popular brands like Levi's, Zara, H&M, and more. Simply enter your measurements or known size, select your reference brand, and discover equivalent sizes for shopping anywhere in the world.

Select Gender

Men

Women

Unisex

Select Reference Brand

Select Input Method

Enter Measurements

Enter Known Size

Enter Your Measurements

Unit

Inches

Centimeters

Waist Size (inches)

Hip Size (inches) (optional)

Inseam Length (inches) (optional)

Preferred Fit (Optional)

Your Pants Size Conversion

Reference Brand: -

Waist Size: -

Size Equivalents:

US Size

EU Size

UK Size

MX Size

JP Size

BR Size

Brand Specific Sizes:

Levi's

Zara

H&M

GAP

Wrangler

Calvin Klein

Tommy Hilfiger

Uniqlo

Diesel

Note: These conversions are approximate. For best fit, always try on pants when possible. Different cuts and styles may affect sizing even within the same brand.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Pants Size:

Measure your waist at the point where you typically wear your pants
For the most accurate measurements, use a soft measuring tape
When measuring yourself, keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor
Different brands may have slight variations in their sizing standards
Your preferred "fit" (slim, regular, relaxed) may affect which size feels most comfortable
Numeric sizes (like 32, 34) typically refer to waist measurement in inches

Men's Pants Size Chart

Waist (inches)	Waist (cm)	US Size	EU Size	UK Size	Mex/Brazil	Japan
28	71	28	44	28	28	S
30	76	30	46	30	30	M
32	81	32	48	32	32	L
34	86	34	50	34	34	LL
36	91	36	52	36	36	XL
38	97	38	54	38	38	2XL
40	102	40	56	40	40	3XL
42	107	42	58	42	42	4XL

Women's Pants Size Chart

Waist (inches)	Waist (cm)	US Size	EU Size	UK Size	MX/BR Size	JP Size
24	61	0	32	4	24/36	XS
25	64	2	34	6	26/38	S
26-27	66-69	4	36	8	28/40	S
28-29	71-74	6	38	10	30/42	M
30-31	76-79	8	40	12	32/44	M
32-33	81-84	10	42	14	34/46	L
34-35	86-89	12	44	16	36/48	L
36-37	91-94	14	46	18	38/50	XL
38-40	97-102	16	48	20	40/52	XL

Brand Comparison Chart (Men's Sizes)

Waist (inches)	Levi's	Wrangler	Zara	H&M	GAP	Calvin Klein
28-29	28	28	36	28	28	28
30-31	30	30	38	30	30	30
32-33	32	32	40	32	32	32
34-35	34	34	42	34	34	34
36-37	36	36	44	36	36	36
38-39	38	38	46	38	38	38

Understanding Pants Sizing Around the World

Finding the perfect pair of pants can be challenging, especially when shopping internationally or across different brands. Understanding how pants sizing works worldwide can save you time, money, and the frustration of returns.

How Pants Sizing Works

Pants sizing varies significantly across regions and between men's and women's clothing:

US Sizing: Men's pants typically use waist measurements in inches (e.g., 32, 34, 36). Women's pants often use numerical sizes (2, 4, 6, etc.) that don't directly correspond to measurements.
European Sizing: Uses a numerical system typically ranging from 40-60 for men and 34-50 for women, generally 16 units higher than US sizing for men.
UK Sizing: Similar to US for men, but women's sizes are typically 4 units higher than US sizes (US 4 = UK 8).
Asian Sizing: Generally smaller, often using letter sizes (S, M, L) or measurements in centimeters.

Key Measurements for Pants Sizing

Waist

The most critical measurement for pants sizing. Measure around your natural waistline, which is typically at or just below your navel, depending on how you wear your pants.

Hip

Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically about 8 inches below your waist. This is especially important for slim-fit styles.

Inseam

The length from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. This determines pants length and is often provided as a separate measurement (e.g., 32×30 means 32" waist, 30" inseam).

Rise

The distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. This determines if pants sit at, above, or below the waist (low, mid, or high rise).

Brand Variations in Sizing

Even within the same country, sizing can vary significantly between brands due to:

Vanity Sizing: Some brands label clothes with smaller numbers to make customers feel better about their size.
Target Demographics: Brands catering to different age groups may size differently.
Fit Variations: "Slim," "Regular," "Relaxed," and "Athletic" fits affect how the same numerical size feels.
Material Differences: Stretchy fabrics like those containing elastane or spandex may fit differently than rigid fabrics.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Fit

Always check the specific brand's size chart before purchasing.
Consider the fabric composition—stretchy materials may allow you to size down.
Read customer reviews for insights on whether a brand runs large or small.
Remember that your "size" is just a number that varies between brands and shouldn't define you.
When in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit (if return policies allow).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do pants sizes vary so much between brands?

Brands develop their sizing standards based on their target demographic, design philosophy, and sometimes marketing strategies (like vanity sizing). Some brands design for slimmer builds, while others cater to more athletic or fuller figures. Additionally, international brands may follow different regional sizing conventions.

What's the difference between US and EU pants sizing?

US men's sizing typically uses waist measurements in inches (32, 34, etc.), while EU sizing uses a numerical scale approximately 16 units higher (US 32 ≈ EU 48). For women, US sizing uses even numbers (2, 4, 6), while EU sizing uses numbers in the 30s and 40s (EU 38 ≈ US 8). The conversion isn't always exact due to different measuring standards.

How do I measure myself correctly for pants?

For waist measurement, wrap a measuring tape around your natural waistline (typically near your navel) where you plan to wear your pants. For hips, measure around the fullest part. For inseam, measure from the crotch seam to your desired pant length. Always stand straight and keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor for accurate measurements.

What does "vanity sizing" mean?

Vanity sizing is the practice of labeling clothes with smaller sizes than their actual measurements would traditionally indicate. For example, a pair of pants with a 34-inch waist might be labeled as size 32. This marketing strategy aims to make customers feel better about their size, potentially increasing sales and brand loyalty.

How should different pant fits (slim, regular, relaxed) affect my size choice?

Different fits may require size adjustments. For slim or skinny fits, you might need to size up, especially if you have athletic thighs or prefer a less restrictive feel. For relaxed or loose fits, your regular size should work, but you might prefer sizing down for a less baggy appearance. Always consider both waist and hip measurements, as slim fits particularly may be tight in the hips even if the waist fits well.

What's the meaning of W32 L30 in pants sizing?

This format indicates both waist and length measurements in inches. W32 means a 32-inch waist circumference, while L30 refers to a 30-inch inseam length. This dual-measurement system is common in jeans and allows for a more customized fit, as people with the same waist size may need different leg lengths.

Do jeans shrink after washing? Should I account for this when buying?

Many jeans, especially those made from 100% cotton or raw denim, will shrink somewhat after the first wash. Premium denim brands often recommend buying "true to size" and allowing the jeans to conform to your body over time. For pre-washed jeans with stretch materials, shrinkage is usually minimal. When in doubt, check the care label or brand guidelines, and consider sizing up slightly (about 1 inch in the waist) for pure cotton jeans if you're concerned about shrinkage.

Pants Size Calculator